Film Analysis Mardi Gras - 906 Words

Jacqueline Mason Women’s Studies Kim Jensen November 19, 2015 Mardi Gras: Made in China: Film Analysis Film director David Redmon, created the documentary Mardi Gras: Made in China, following the trail of beads from a factory in China to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, emotionally exposing the imbalances of globalization. Redmond skillfully illuminates the clash of cultures by comparing American excess and consumer ignorance against the harsh life of the Chinese factory worker. The film began with the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans where people gathered to party, drink alcohol, and expose themselves in exchange for brightly colored plastic bead necklaces. The stories follows four teenage women workers, providing insights†¦show more content†¦The pay would be about 10 cents per necklace or about $62 per month The factor employed about 400 people. 90% women sitting elbow to elbow. The factory owner, explained that he employed mainly women aged fourteen and nineteen, because they were easier to control than t he men. He employed men only for the jobs that required heavy lifting. These workers lived in the factory provided housing and were feed meals. They generally worked between 10-14 hours workdays everyday with the exception of the two-week Chinese New Year celebration, a time when all employees, including the factory owner, went home to be with their families.. There would not be any talk amongst themselves while they were working and the employees must wear red hat so that he could keep track of the employees whereabouts. The owner states that if they felt the need to socialize they could do it on their breaks or on their day off. Workers’ official day off was Sunday, but they were often assigned to work in order to meet production goals. Failure to meet production quotas, resulted in a ten percent pay cut. One worker even stressed that her quote was to paint 200 pieces however could only finish 100 at the most. It was repeatedly stressed that punishment was very importan t for keeping the workers focused on their tasks. Attempting to organize labor could result in punishment, too. The lack of resources and capabilities to fulfill the basic needs of life, access to food,